With one podium, ORT shines in Monaco

Ocean Racing Technology

With one podium, Ocean Racing Technology shines in the GP3 Series at Monaco

Two race meetings were enough for Ocean Racing Technology to climb its first podium in the GP3 Series, a championship the Portuguese team is debuting in this year. Kevin Ceccon's excellent result was secured on the most complex circuit on the calendar, Monaco's street track. The young Italian driver took off from the first row on the starting grid and spent the whole race in 3rd position. He added to his success by securing the fastest lap in race as he passed the chequered flag. In the second race, Kevin fought to defend his 6th position, which brought him 4 new points, to be added to 17 from the day before. Thus, he made a fine harvest of points, and is in 6th place in the championship.

"It is a very important result for me and for the team, which is new to the GP3 Series this season. We are very happy and determined to continue on the same path," declared the Italian driver. "It reinforces everyone's motivation. In Monaco, overtaking is very difficult and so I could not aim for better than the 3rd and 6th place finishes, but they are already excellent results as it is."

Robert Cregan encountered difficulties in qualifying and was only able to cover 4 laps, which forced him to start from the back of the grid with his teammate Carmen Jorda. In the first race, the Irish driver moved up many positions thanks to some confident, precise driving and he crossed the finish line in 18th position. As for Carmen Jorda, she was forced to retire with a mechanical problem.

In the second race, Robert Cregan finished not far from the top 10, in 12th place, and Carmen Jorda moved up 7 positions after the start (26th), but lost three before crossing the finish line, in 22nd place. "Racing on this circuit demands constant attention," explained Robert Cregan, "I am happy that we were able to finish both races and to put many kilometres under my belt."

"I am more confident in the car and I am getting closer to the drivers in front of me. I have improved my times each time out and that's very encouraging. Therefore, I am very delighted with the work done, and only regret one thing, and that is the DNF in the first race," declared Carmen Jorda.

Tiago Monteiro and José Guedes did not conceal their pride in managing such a responsive, competitive team. "It is a remarkable result. We decided to take up this challenge of the GP3 Series at the last minute and we knew it would be a difficult task. But the work done by our whole structure has paid off. Kevin was exceptional in Monaco, not only by being the fastest in his qualifying group, but also by getting up on the podium and securing the fastest lap. Robert and Carmen are continuing their adaptation and development process and there are many good things to take away from this weekend to prepare for the future."

The next GP3 Series races will take place June 23 and 24 on Spain's Valencia circuit.